Letter From Joseph Willis

“I made a promise to be involved”—Why Joseph Reached Out to Prison Radio

Dear Friend,

We want to share a letter we recently received from someone inside prison, someone whose life was changed by hearing one of our correspondents report from inside.

Joseph Willis wrote to us after connecting with our longtime correspondent, Knowledge Born-God Allah (also known as Darren Stanley). Their conversation sparked something in Joseph; a deeper sense of self, purpose, and the power of storytelling.

“The day I met him, he talked to me about important stuff I never knew, and it made me think and learn who I was and where I been.”

Joseph had never heard of us before. But when he learned what we do, he made a promise.

“I made a promise to him that I’ll be involved with the station. That’s why I’m reaching out to you to see if I can be a part of the movement you guys are doing, because it’s the most inspiring thing I’ve done.”

He instantly saw Prison Radio as an opportunity for connection. He saw here a chance to be part of a platform that tells the truth. That hears people out. That lets someone like him, locked in a cell, forgotten by most of the world, speak.

We know it is hard to read this, but thought it was important to share

This is what Prison Radio is about. Creating platforms where people inside can speak truth, share wisdom, and be heard—not just as prisoners, but as leaders, thinkers, and community voices.

But here’s the bottom line: we only exist because of people like you.

We don’t survive on giant grants or corporate sponsorships. Prison Radio is grassroots, people-powered, and held afloat by small, steady gifts from our community. It’s $5, $10, $25 a month from dozens, then hundreds of people, that keeps the mic open.

If this mission resonates with you, please consider becoming a monthly donor. That steady support helps us stay independent, resilient, and accountable only to the people we serve.

$10/month helps us record and share more voices
$25/month keeps letters like Joseph’s moving through the prison walls
$50/month means more young people inside can be heard—maybe for the first time ever

Become a monthly donor now.

With your help, we can continue to amplify voices that would otherwise go unheard, and help them reach one another, and the world.